Amy R   

★★★★★ 1 review

English, Italian and Spanish teacher, dialect coach and accent reduction coach

What is your favorite word in your language and why?

My favorite English word is puppy. I love it because puppies are adorable, and so is the word - it's small and cute and fun to say!

What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?

I don't think Toronto has any specific dishes, but since I consider Italy my second home, I have to say that there's nothing like an authentic pizza margherita. I was recently back in Italy after not having been for two years, and I couldn't stop smiling when I had that first pizza!

Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?

Yes! I've been learning Russian since 2020 - it started as a quarantine project but I still practice it every day! I know some German too; I started learning it when I was working as a camp counsellor and had a kid in my group who only spoke German. I grew up learning some Hebrew and Yiddish, but never really at the conversational level - I'm trying to pick them up again! Usually what inspires me to learn languages is music; if I hear a really good song in another language, I'll want to know what they're saying. So there's a good chance I'll try learning more languages in the future!

What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?

I'm a very artsy person! I love doing anything creative - acting, singing, drawing, dancing, playing instruments, and writing songs, stories, plays, and poems. I also love taking care of children and pets; I've been babysitting for most of my life. When I'm not teaching or performing, I'm probably spending hours in a bookstore, swimming at the beach, or cuddling with my adorable kitty!

What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?

I consider Toronto to be my hometown because I was born and raised there, and it's where most of my family and best friends live. It's also the only place I can see my dog! I love going back home because my family has lived in the same house since I was 4, and it reminds me that even though this world is full of changes, certain things will always stay the same. I have such a beautiful and loving family, and being at home always makes me feel safe and loved!